About Security
Making sure that your personal information is secure while you're on the internet requires a partnership between you and Alden State Bank. Our goal is to do everything we can to protect you online and to make sure that you have the knowledge to do your part.
The following information is provided to help educate you about what we are doing and how you can help.
Our Role in Security
Encryption
Encryption is a technique that rewrites information in code so that if it is intercepted, it cannot be deciphered. We always use encryption to help ensure that your private information cannot be captured and used by someone with the intention of stealing your identity.
Password Lockout
Each time you attempt to access your accounts online, you will be given three chances to enter the correct password. If you incorrectly enter the password three times, you will need to contact us so that we can unlock your account. The password lockout is a security technique to ensure that if someone is trying to guess your password, they will only have three chances to get it right.
Time-out Limit
If you are using internet banking and leave your computer idle for nine minutes, you will get a warning message. You will have the option of either continuing with your internet banking or logging out. If you do not respond to this warning, we will automatically log you off after ten minutes of inactivity. You will then need to re-enter your User ID and password. This is to help make sure that if you leave your computer, someone else cannot easily do a transaction using your identity.
Account Numbers Not Visible
Alden State Bank will not display your account numbers while you are using NetTeller, with the exception of when you view your statement online. Instead, we will ask you to create a pseudo name for each of your accounts. Some examples of pseudo names are Checking, Savings, Home Equity, and Mortgage. You can create your pseudo account names under the "Options" section of NetTeller.
Your Role in Security
Protecting Your Account
The following suggestions are steps that you can take to help ensure that your account information is protected:
- Select a password that is difficult to guess by using a combination of random letters, numbers and symbols. Do not use readily identifiable information such as your name, birth date, child's name, etc.
- Never share your password with anyone else.
- Change your password frequently.
- Avoid using Public Internet Access Terminals when conducting online banking.
- Remain at your computer until all of your transactions are complete and then log out.
- Do NOT use the "save password" option on your computer.
- If you believe your NetTeller ID or password have been stolen or compromised, change your password and notify Alden State Bank immediately at (877) 331-4481.
Personal Computer Security Guidelines
Make sure that you keep your operating system and Internet browser (such as Internet Explorer) updated with patches from the vendor's website. For example, use Microsoft's Windows Update feature and install the Critical Updates and Service Packs. These patches correct security risks that were discovered after the time the software was initially released. See below for some helpful links where you can find additional information.
Use a current Internet browser with 128-bit encryption that supports secure and private transactions. Use the built-in security features that some browsers provide. Selecting certain security settings and options will help protect your privacy. The "help" option or "properties" on your browser should help you select the security options you need.
Use anti-virus and spyware protection software to keep your computer from running programs that may harm your computer or just be a nuisance. It is essential to keep this software up-to-date since new viruses and spyware are being developed all the time.
Use personal firewall software, especially if you have a high speed connection to the internet (such as cable or DSL).
Be especially careful if you are using a wireless network. Your home wireless network should use encryption. Avoid public wireless network access for banking transactions.
Use caution when downloading files, opening e-mail attachments from sources you do not recognize, or installing software.
Helpful links:
Identity Theft
What is "Phishing"?
"Phishing" is pronounced "fishing". It is a technique developed by scammers and hackers to bait unsuspecting victims into revealing their personal information. It is a contributing factor to the rise in identity theft. The most common method of phishing involves the use of cleverly designed e-mails which claim to be from reputable companies. The imitation e-mail requests the recipient to confirm personal information such as user ID, password, account number, etc. The e-mail may urgently instruct you to "update" or "validate" your personal information via e-mail or direct you to a phony web site that looks just like a legitimate web site you may already use.
What You Should Do
Alden State Bank will not ask you to enter your personal information in an e-mail link, nor will we send such information in an e-mail. You should only share information about your account through our Information Request Form. If you receive a suspicious e-mail, please contact us at 1-877-331-4481 or email us at security@aldenbank.com.
For additional information on phishing, including how to protect yourself and steps to take if you are victimized, visit http://www.occ.gov/consumer/phishing.htm.
Helpful Links to More Information
Important Note: While we continue to do everything possible to ensure the security of our system, we are not responsible for any breach of security that is outside of our control.
